Also known as: Whitetail, Virginia deer
White-tailed Deer Fact Sheet Averages 36 inches at the shoulder (range 30-40 inches). Bucks average 170 pounds (range 100-330 pounds); does average 130 pounds (range 90-210 pounds). Coat reddish in summer and brownish-gray in winter, with white on throat, belly and underside of tail. Only males have antlers. Main beams turn out to the sides and sweep forward, with several tines projecting off the main beam. Tracks: Front track slightly larger. Frontβ1-3/8" - 4" L, 7/8" - 2-7/8" W. Rearβ1-1/4" - 3-1/2" L, 3/4" - 2-3/8" W. Walking stride: 13" - 26". Fun Facts: White-tailed deer are the most common big game animal found in North Dakota. There are more white-tailed deer now than when Lewis and Clark traveled through the state in 1804-06.
Habitat & Range
An adaptable species living in a variety of habitats including riparian areas, forests, prairie, agricultural land and in suburban areas. Found throughout North Dakota, most common in the eastern two-thirds.
Life History
Food: Whitetails are browsers, meaning they eat buds, leaves and seeds from a variety of trees, shrubs and forbs. Some favorites include green ash, willow, dogwood, apple, snow berry, acorns, and sweetclover. Deer will also take advantage of agricultural crops including corn, sunflower and alfalfa. Mating: Breeding peaks in mid-November, with bucks tending one doe at a time. No permanent pair bonds. Gestation averages 202 days (range 187-222 days). Young One to three fawns (usually two) born late May to late June, and weighing about 7 pounds. Coat reddish, with white spots on back. Habits: Most active at dawn and dusk. Does often socialize in small groups with related females from several generations. Outside of the breeding season, bucks usually alone or in small bachelor groups.
Hunting Season
Deer Bow: Sep 4 β Jan 3; Deer Gun: Nov 6 β Nov 22; Muzzleloader: Nov 27 β Dec 13 (white-tailed only); Youth Deer: Sep 18 β Sep 27
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulations for hunting White-tailed Deer in North Dakota
White-tailed deer hunting in North Dakota is managed through a lottery system for deer gun licenses and unlimited purchase for deer bow (residents). Deer Bow: Sep 4 β Jan 3 statewide. Deer Gun: Nov 6 β Nov 22 (16.5-day season). Muzzleloader (white-tailed only): Nov 27 β Dec 13. License types include Type A (any antlered), Type B (any antlerless), Type C (antlered white-tailed), Type D (antlerless white-tailed). Total 39,100 gun licenses. Orange clothing required during gun season. Nonresident bow hunters limited to 240 any-deer licenses.
How big do white-tailed deer get in North Dakota?
Bucks average 170 lbs (range 100-330 lbs), does average 130 lbs (range 90-210 lbs). Shoulder height averages 36 inches.
What do white-tailed deer eat?
Whitetails are browsers eating buds, leaves, and seeds from trees, shrubs, and forbs. Favorites include green ash, willow, dogwood, apple, acorns, and sweetclover. They also consume agricultural crops such as corn, sunflower, and alfalfa.
When is White-tailed Deer hunting season in North Dakota?
Deer Bow: Sep 4 β Jan 3; Deer Gun: Nov 6 β Nov 22; Muzzleloader: Nov 27 β Dec 13 (white-tailed only); Youth Deer: Sep 18 β Sep 27
What is the bag limit for White-tailed Deer in North Dakota?
1 deer per license (lottery for gun; unlimited bow for residents)
What's another name for White-tailed Deer?
White-tailed Deer is also known as Whitetail, Virginia deer in North Dakota.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | Hunting | Regulations | Season Dates | Deer Bow: Sep 4 β Jan 3; Deer Gun: Nov 6 β Nov 22; Muzzleloader: Nov 27 β Dec 13 (white-tailed only); Youth Deer: Sep 18 | Link |
| North Dakota | Hunting | Regulations | Regulations | White-tailed deer hunting in North Dakota is managed through a lottery system for deer gun licenses and unlimited purcha | Link |
